Manchester United’s Amad Diallo became the unlikely hero and villain of their FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool. The young winger scored a dramatic 121st-minute winner but was then sent off for taking his shirt off in celebration, receiving a second yellow card. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in on the incident in Sky Sports’ Ref Watch segment.
Diallo himself admitted to forgetting he was already on a booking, sparking debate about whether emotions should be considered in such situations. Gallagher, however, dismissed the notion, highlighting the referee’s overall performance.
“It’s been 25 years since this rule came in,” Gallagher pointed out. “Players should be well aware of it by now.”
He emphasized the quality of the entire match, praising referee John Brooks’ performance. “This was one of the best games you could ever see, and Brooks was excellent throughout,” Gallagher said. “He had a perfect game up until that point.”
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Gallagher acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the red card. “The referee’s hands were tied,” he explained. “Taking his shirt off is a clear yellow card by the rules. It’s just a shame it happened after scoring the winner.”
He drew a parallel to a famous incident: “Remember Ryan Giggs taking his shirt off after scoring? In certain parts of the world, it’s seen as offensive. That’s why FIFA outlawed it.”
Gallagher stressed that referees aren’t happy with the rule either. “They end up being the bad guys in these situations,” he said. “Instead, we should be praising Brooks for his performance throughout the game. For 120 minutes, he was part of this incredible spectacle. It’s just a shame it ended on a sour note for him.”
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The debate surrounding Diallo’s red card is likely to continue. While Gallagher focuses on the adherence to the rules, others may argue for a more lenient approach in such emotionally charged moments. Regardless, the incident highlights the complexities of officiating in a sport where passion and drama often collide.
